Dragons expect packed Parade for Gloucester Euro clash

A sizeable West Country contingent is expected in Newport despite the 8pm kick-off for the European Challenge Cup clash.

Ticket sales have gone well for the Anglo-Welsh encounter with the Bisley Stand sold out and limited seats available in the Compeed Stand on Rodney Road.

The Dragons are expecting a crowd to rival a derby against a regional rival – the Ospreys fixture on the opening weekend of the United Rugby Championship attracted 6,398 – and the hope is that it will inspire the hosts.

Ryan’s men are on a 12-game winless streak since their superb bonus-point win at Connacht in October, and a big performance is needed in front of their long-suffering fans.

The director of rugby will be especially keen for his side to impress against his former employers.

Ryan spent four seasons in charge at Kingsholm, winning the Challenge Cup in 2006 and reaching the Premiership final the following year.

Dragons boss Dean Ryan

“I am looking forward to it. I have got history with Gloucester and it’s a place that I have a huge affection for, and I still live in the area,” said the former England forward.

“It’s the English team whose results I look for and have them at Rodney Parade is fantastic.

“The terrace is a really special place at Gloucester and coming to Rodney Parade I am sure they will infiltrate every area they can.

“It will be a great night, we are talking about tickets selling fast and that is fantastic.”

Gloucester have already qualified for the last 16 and are combining their bid for the Challenge Cup, a tournament they won in in 2006 and 2015, with a push for the English Premiership play-offs.

The Cherry and Whites sit seventh in the table, seven points back on Exeter with a pair of games in hand.

“They have gone back to incredibly powerful forward performances and build their game off the back of that,” said Ryan.

“They have the ability to play quick but it’s off a platform and I wouldn’t expect them to deviate from that.”

Ryan is not the only former Gloucester man on the Dragons staff, forwards coaches Mefin Davies and Luke Narraway used to play for the Cherry and Whites.

The teams are announced at midday with the Dragons likely to bring back Wales back rower Aaron Wainwright after he sat out the URC double-header in South Africa.

Lock Ben Carter is available after head injury while wing Jonah Holmes is in contention after being unable to face the Bulls or Sharks because of a passport issue.

Tickets available: HERE